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Donna Byrne: Don't Dream of Anybody But Me
Another factor in making this CD go, are two sets of outstanding musicians who walk the line between their role as Byrne's sideman and their own special set of musical skills. Jazz piano institution and fellow New Englander Dave McKenna provides the piano backdrop. But while he makes no attempt to overshadow the singer, his years as a top flight jazzman comes clearly through on such tune as "My Melancholy Baby." The other pianist on the set, Tim Ray, is also not overshadowed as he helps with a swinging let's have fun with the melody on "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top." Erstwhile reedman, Mike Monaghan, gets plenty of time with his slightly biting tenor on such cuts as "East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)." Byrne's regular rhythm section, Jim Gwin on drums and husband Marshall Wood on bass shows that familiarity in no way breeds contempt but rather respect, harmony and mutual admiration.
Liner notes for my copy don't mention two cuts in the play list. Track 13 is a lovely medley of "Cottage for Sale"/"A House Is Not a Home" and 14, a race car "I Hear Music." But the good news is that this omission results in an unanticipated bonus. This her latest album only solidifies Byrnes' position as a major contemporary jazz vocalist.
Track Listing
I'm Afraid the Masquerade Is Over; Street of Dreams; It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing); In a Sentimental Mood; The Surrey with the Fringe on Top; Don't Dream of Anybody But Me; The Two Lonely People; All Alone on My Own; My Melancholy Baby; East of the Sun (and West of the Moon); He Was too Good to Me; Someone to Light up My Life; Medley: A Cottage for Sale/A House Is not a Home; I Hear Music
Personnel
Donna Byrne
vocalsDonna Byrne -Vocals; Dave McKenna -Piano; Tim Ray -Piano/Fender Rhodes; Jim Gwin -Drums; Marshall Wood -Bass; Mike Monaghan -Tenor Sax/Flute; Kenny Wenzel -Trombone/Flugelhorn; Mike Turk -Harmonica
Album information
Title: Don't Dream of Anybody But Me | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Ol' Socks